Catheter Valve with Elastic Chord for Blood Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IV catheter systems require manual occlusion to prevent blood exposure during placement, which is inconvenient and increases the risk of blood exposure, and lack efficient mechanisms to control fluid flow without external actuators.
Innovation Solution
A multi-section control valve assembly with flexible sections and slits forming flaps, where the first section is more rigid than the second and third sections, allowing for fluid pressure to open and close flow paths without manual intervention, and a needle guard for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual occlusion is used to prevent blood exposure during catheter placement, then blood exposure risk is reduced, but operation convenience deteriorates and blood exposure risk increases due to procedural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly automatically controls blood flow during catheter placement without requiring manual occlusion by the clinician. The valve structure with its movable disc and chord mechanism self-regulates to prevent blood exposure, eliminating the need for manual intervention and improving both safety and convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical occlusion system with an automated valve mechanism that uses fluid pressure differentials and elastic deformation of the chord to control blood flow automatically, eliminating the need for manual mechanical occlusion
2Device complexity
If a simple valve structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but fluid flow control capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a movable disc, a chord with attached elastic element, and a housing with inlet/outlet ports. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall structural simplicity and enabling effective fluid flow control through coordinated operation of the segments
Solution Approach 2:
The valve employs dynamic elements including a movable disc that rotates to control flow and an elastic chord that dynamically responds to pressure differentials. This dynamic design enables the simple valve structure to adaptively control fluid flow in both directions based on real-time pressure conditions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The valve assembly reduces the risk of blood exposure during catheter placement and allows for controlled fluid flow using fluid pressure alone, enhancing safety and ease of use by eliminating the need for manual occlusion and external actuators.
Implementation Method 1
a chord with an elastic element attached thereto
Data Source
AI summary
Needle assemblies and related methods are disclosed having a needle hub with a needle, a catheter tube with a catheter hub and having the needle extending through the catheter tube; and a valve positioned in an interior cavity of the catheter hub, the valve having a first section with a first chord, a second chord, and a plurality of slits defining a plurality of flaps, a second section attached to the first section, and a third section attached to the first section; an inside edge formed on the second section and pressed against the first section; an inside edge formed on the third section and pressed against the first section; and wherein a first flow path is provided adjacent the first chord and a second flow path is provided adjacent the second chord.